Acupuncture is a centuries-old therapy that migrated from Eastern cultures to mainstream Western medicine. This treatment modality has been used to mitigate various types of pain, side effects of chemotherapy (nausea, vomiting), menstrual cramps, infertility, and respiratory disorders.
At the University of Maryland Orthopaedics, Brian Jackson, MS, LAc, Instructor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and licensed acupuncturist, primarily employs acupuncture to address lower back, neck, and spine issues.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Per Jackson, acupuncture is a complex therapy that elicits neurological and biochemical reactions within the body.
“It works on multiple levels simultaneously, locally and globally. Locally, we try to spur the body into repairing tissues faster than they normally would by putting the needle into tissues that may already be affected or diseased or pathologically changed.
On a more global level, acupuncture “recruits” blood cells to the region. Circulation improves. “We’re also releasing neurotransmitters such as endorphins and exciting the opioid receptors. Various other neurochemical stimulants get released in this process, which also helps mitigate the pain response overall from a neurological level,” explains Jackson.
An additional benefit is creating an environment where the patient can really just slow down, breathe, and gather themselves. “The mental aspects can’t be denied or discounted,” he adds.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Jackson assures that the process of acupuncture is relatively painless. Many patients fall asleep during their therapy.
“It will illicit some sensations if it’s done well. Those sensations are typically characterized as a heaviness or a fullness, sometimes a little bit of distension, sometimes just a warm sensation. It will be subtle, and you may not feel much.”
Pre- and Post-Surgical Application
Acupuncture is often part of a more holistic approach to spine care. For example, it may be advised as a conservative approach—before patients consider a more invasive intervention such as surgery. It can also be used in pre- and post-surgical care.
“As acupuncturists, we can play a role in getting you ready for your surgery, in terms of dealing with any residual anxiety, nervousness, helping you to heal a bit faster by engaging the acupuncture process before you go into surgery,” notes Jackson. “We will be bedside within the day if you do have surgery within our facilities, to help with pain management and controlling pain through non-pharmaceutical means. And then, helping to improve mobility in the days and weeks after your spinal surgery.”
Finding an Acupuncturist
When seeking out acupuncture services, Jackson advises finding a therapist who specializes in the type of malady you’re hoping to address. They should also have the proper qualifications and be board certified and licensed in the state in which they are practicing. “It’s really important you find the right acupuncturist for the job. We’re generalist for the most part, but we also do specialize or end up seeing a majority of our cases in a certain domain. So, just because you sought out an acupuncturist who maybe specializes in fertility issues or OB-GYN issues, and they could not treat your back pain, that shouldn’t be a cause for alarm; a cause to discredit acupuncture or not seek out another acupuncturist. Be selective in who you choose for your care. And choose somebody who has the experience in the domain you’re seeking.”
University of Maryland Orthopaedics acupuncturists see patients in Columbia, Timonium, Camden Yards. Patients can schedule by calling 410-448-6400. Insurance is accepted for most cases. Learn more about University of Maryland Orthopaedics.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen to an in-depth conversation on this topic with Brian Jackson, MS, LAc, Instructor, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and licensed acupuncturist at University of Maryland Orthopeadics, below or visit umms.org/podcast.
